umarwy:
Ogas and Madams I hail oh

I wanted some information and tips regarding buying a home in the UK,

What are the mistakes I should avoid?

Is rent to buy and shared ownership as good as it looks??

Housing association, chain properties etc. Please any information is appreciated

Location: What happens if a job comes and one has to move

My main reason for considering a mortgage is I am tired of paying rent.


Thank you in advance.

@justwise
@lagosismyhome
@stenon
@lexusgs430
@dustydee
@et al

As a first time buyer, i think you should start by meeting with a mortgage advisor. He/she will be able to inform and explain all the pros and cons of these schemes. Majority of the advisors do offer free consultations, i used mortgage advice bureau and it was free, insightful and helpful.
I wanted shared ownership at the start but when i was exposed to the challenges associated i changed my mind fast, some of them are inability to rent out or sublet the property, difficulty in getting lenders due to the complexity of the terms, if you eventually decide to sell (even with with the higher share) the housing provider has the right to buy back the property before it is marketed to anyone else, so that limits your options, and some others.

LagosismyHome:


Is interest only mortage still available for residential property ?..... that is like impossible to get if it even exist

It's still available, but with very stringent criteria......

Used to be very popular, but after the 2008 credit crunched recession, it slowly went on a partial fade out........ But some unlucky lenders, are still caught up in its web......

Endlessgrace:

As a first time buyer, i think you should start by meeting with a mortgage advisor. He/she will be able to inform and explain all the pros and cons of these schemes. Majority of the advisors do offer free consultations, i used mortgage advice bureau and it was free, insightful and helpful.
I wanted shared ownership at the start but when i was exposed to the challenges associated i changed my mind fast, some of them are inability to rent out or sublet the property, difficulty in getting lenders due to the complexity of the terms, if you eventually decide to sell (even with with the higher share) the housing provider has the right to buy back the property before it is marketed to anyone else, so that limits your options, and some others.

So what option did you choose.......

Endlessgrace:

As a first time buyer, i think you should start by meeting with a mortgage advisor. He/she will be able to inform and explain all the pros and cons of these schemes. Majority of the advisors do offer free consultations, i used mortgage advice bureau and it was free, insightful and helpful.
I wanted shared ownership at the start but when i was exposed to the challenges associated i changed my mind fast, some of them are inability to rent out or sublet the property, difficulty in getting lenders due to the complexity of the terms, if you eventually decide to sell (even with with the higher share) the housing provider has the right to buy back the property before it is marketed to anyone else, so that limits your options, and some others.

Thank you

Lexusgs430:


So what option did you choose.......

I went for the ‘rent to buy’ scheme for a year plus and was able to save a little more for down payment and afterwards went for a freehold property. Although It’s not a new build, it’s in a great location and I’m happy with the peace of mind that comes with it.
As na only me and my bank be the only parties for this relationship , no government(help to buy) or housing provider(shared ownership).

Endlessgrace:

I went for the ‘rent to buy’ scheme for a year plus and was able to save a little more for down payment and afterwards went for a freehold property. Although It’s not a new build, it’s in a great location and I’m happy with the peace of mind that comes with it.
As na only me and my bank be the only parties for this relationship , no government(help to buy) or housing provider(shared ownership).

You are doing well..... Ooin......

Freaky freaky

Lexusgs430:



You are doing well..... Ooin......

Bourne007:
Freaky freaky

What's going on here......... Fantabulous.....

Great minds,
Pls recommend a good car that is easy to maintain and a bit fancy for a new family that has just arrived in Uk with little experience of driving in Uk.

Opdannex:
Great minds,
Pls recommend a good car that is easy to maintain and a bit fancy for a new family that has just arrived in Uk with little experience of driving in Uk.

Vauxhaul corsa, Ford focus (1.2L) or Fiesta, renault regane or clio etc.
Look out for the tax and fuel type if you live in or around London.

Ace721:
Hi fellow Nairalanders,

i'm in my final year at unical, i would really love to work and further my studies in the UK, but i have a few questions:

1. Is it worth it to leave Nigeria to work and live in UK?
2. How easy is it to get a job? (I'm in the medical field, radiography to be exact)
3. Which city is the cheapest buh best city to start? What is the cost of living(rent)?
4. Is it really hard to save money in UK?
5. How much can i survive on for a month?
6. Can i work while going to school?

i just want to know if it would be a good decision to make, and to know what i would face whent i get there...the advantages and disadvantages.
Advice on the way of life in UK would also be appreciated.


i'm waiting for a response, thank you in advance.

Congratulations on being in one of the most sort after jobs in the UK, I moved to UK last year January on tier 2 Visa as Radiographer, I must say it is the best decision ever, I got 3 job offers, Southhampton, Manchester and Scunthorpe, after lots of enquiries, i decided to move to Scunny, because it is a cheaper and more economical place to start life in a foreign land, and i also had colleagues working there, In my almost 1 year plus here, i have achieved a lot of which in 10 years back home i would not have achieved, UK is the best place to practice Radiography in the world, here you can get to the highest level of this Profession, I am being sponsored by my Trust for postgraduate studies in Medical Ultrasound in University of leeds, about to buy a house, bought a new car, moved my family, got my UK driving license, etc. All i can say is, do your internship and learn very well, Luckily i also finished from UNICAL, we have one of the best Medical School graduates, From Nysc start your registration with HCPC, get it and start applying for jobs, get skype interviews, and by the time you are through with service you must have gotten a job and take it from there. I hope this helps.

@Tray2

Thank you so much for the information, it went a really long way to help.
I'm sorry if i'm disturbing, buh can i get your email? I'd like to ask about a few questions on some registeration processes....if that is ok with you sir.

more success to you.

AWFCNAIJA:



Like most have answered...

1. It all depends on your desires and aspirations. What is good for the gander might not be for the goose. The UK is great but not great for everyone.

2. Getting a job with a Bachelors in Radiography is quite easy if you follow the process. First gain experience, acquire the required licenses, evaluate your certificates with NARIC and apply for jobs. Note: Don't take your research projects here in Nigeria for granted... They go a long way way in showing your experience. Another tip; specialize!!! Maybe in Mammo or something more critical. This have helped plenty of your colleagues I know get jobs with full sponsorships from Nigeria.

3. Get the job and tier 2 visa first. You would definitely manage wherever you find yourself.

4. To everyman his stomach. You want to live the LA Vida loca life in a foreign land? Just remember you would grow old some day.

thank you so much for the advise...

TRAY2:
Congratulations on being in one of the most sort after jobs in the UK, I moved to UK last year January on tier 2 Visa as Radiographer, I must say it is the best decision ever, I got 3 job offers, Southhampton, Manchester and Scunthorpe, after lots of enquiries, i decided to move to Scunny, because it is a cheaper and more economical place to start life in a foreign land, and i also had colleagues working there, In my almost 1 year plus here, i have achieved a lot of which in 10 years back home i would not have achieved, UK is the best place to practice Radiography in the world, here you can get to the highest level of this Profession, I am being sponsored by my Trust for postgraduate studies in Medical Ultrasound in University of leeds, about to buy a house, bought a new car, moved my family

Thank you so much, this info really helped me. Can i get your email? I have a few questions regarding some registration process...if it's ok with you

more success to you sir.

missjekyll:


May I add that if your failure to pay is due to covid,you can get a payment holiday. Please discuss with your lender. I m not sure where I saw this though but I have read this

MSME, Money saving expert, Martin Lewis is doing a good job

TRAY2:
Congratulations on being in one of the most sort after jobs in the UK, I moved to UK last year January on tier 2 Visa as Radiographer, I must say it is the best decision ever, I got 3 job offers, Southhampton, Manchester and Scunthorpe, after lots of enquiries, i decided to move to Scunny, because it is a cheaper and more economical place to start life in a foreign land, and i also had colleagues working there, In my almost 1 year plus here, i have achieved a lot of which in 10 years back home i would not have achieved, UK is the best place to practice Radiography in the world, here you can get to the highest level of this Profession, I am being sponsored by my Trust for postgraduate studies in Medical Ultrasound in University of leeds, about to buy a house, bought a new car, moved my family, got my UK driving license, etc. All i can say is, do your internship and learn very well, Luckily i also finished from UNICAL, we have one of the best Medical School graduates, From Nysc start your registration with HCPC, get it and start applying for jobs, get skype interviews, and by the time you are through with service you must have gotten a job and take it from there. I hope this helps.

Congrats Bro, God has buttered your bread and sugared your tea.

TRAY2:
Congratulations on being in one of the most sort after jobs in the UK, I moved to UK last year January on tier 2 Visa as Radiographer, I must say it is the best decision ever, I got 3 job offers, Southhampton, Manchester and Scunthorpe, after lots of enquiries, i decided to move to Scunny, because it is a cheaper and more economical place to start life in a foreign land, and i also had colleagues working there, In my almost 1 year plus here, i have achieved a lot of which in 10 years back home i would not have achieved, UK is the best place to practice Radiography in the world, here you can get to the highest level of this Profession, I am being sponsored by my Trust for postgraduate studies in Medical Ultrasound in University of leeds, about to buy a house, bought a new car, moved my family, got my UK driving license, etc. All i can say is, do your internship and learn very well, Luckily i also finished from UNICAL, we have one of the best Medical School graduates, From Nysc start your registration with HCPC, get it and start applying for jobs, get skype interviews, and by the time you are through with service you must have gotten a job and take it from there. I hope this helps.

hello @tray2 thanks for the vital information you provided above, im an nysc radiographer will be finishing october, i have been searching for radiography threads, but could not find any, can you please shed more light on the vital things i need to have to get a job in the UK.
is NARIC evaluation so important?
Do i need to write IELETS?
because im so confused about what to do other than getting HCPC license
thanks in anticipation.

elisinho:


hello @tray2 thanks for the vital information you provided above, im an nysc radiographer will be finishing october, i have been searching for radiography threads, but could not find any, can you please shed more light on the vital things i need to have to get a job in the UK.
is NARIC evaluation so important?
Do i need to write IELETS?
because im so confused about what to do other than getting HCPC license
thanks in anticipation.

I did NARIC as it was more convenient for me, all that was needed was my Transcript,and a letter of English proficiency from Uni, after getting registered with HCPC, register on trac jobs and nhs uk jobs,have a good statement of information channel it to suit the JD of the role you are applying for,have good refs, fastest fingers first and hope for the best, as it has now become more competive. Thanks to Brexit as it is now likely a level playing field with other nationalities especially from Europe applying for similar jobs.

TRAY2:
I did NARIC as it was more convenient for me, all that was needed was my Transcript,and a letter of English proficiency from Uni, after getting registered with HCPC, register on trac jobs and nhs uk jobs,have a good statement of information channel it to suit the JD of the role you are applying for,have good refs, fastest fingers first and hope for the best, as it has now become more competive. Thanks to Brexit as it is now likely a level playing field with other nationalities especially from Europe applying for similar jobs.

Thanks

Twitter in chief hides in WH Bunker ... Justice for George Floyd!!!!!

Lexusgs430:



You are doing well..... Ooin......

Opdannex:
Great minds,
Pls recommend a good car that is easy to maintain and a bit fancy for a new family that has just arrived in Uk with little experience of driving in Uk.

I'd suggest you look into Mazda (fancy, reliable) and Toyota ( Reliability personified, however bland looking).

As it's family car, go for 5 doors 1.4 litres or 1.6litres (speed will not be your thing) Cheap to insure depending on your location and NCB.

Petrol: Convenient and good for city driving but mpg might be low depending on your driving habit ( vroom vroom equals trips to the garage) and number of stop signs.

Diesel: Good/decent mpgs but you'll have to take it on a long drive on the motorway to avoid DPF build up weekly or risk expensive repairs.

2040 and UK will be moving to full electric cars anyways.

If you avoid financing a car, do. You'll get really good used cars for shikini money. Financed cars depreciate in value over time.

Recommendations: Mazda 3's or 6's Toyota Corollas or Auris. Lexus IS250's if you're looking that ultimate luxury and reliability.

These are my opinion. Choice is yours.

TRAY2:
Congratulations on being in one of the most sort after jobs in the UK, I moved to UK last year January on tier 2 Visa as Radiographer, I must say it is the best decision ever, I got 3 job offers, Southhampton, Manchester and Scunthorpe, after lots of enquiries, i decided to move to Scunny, because it is a cheaper and more economical place to start life in a foreign land, and i also had colleagues working there, In my almost 1 year plus here, i have achieved a lot of which in 10 years back home i would not have achieved, UK is the best place to practice Radiography in the world, here you can get to the highest level of this Profession, I am being sponsored by my Trust for postgraduate studies in Medical Ultrasound in University of leeds, about to buy a house, bought a new car, moved my family, got my UK driving license, etc. All i can say is, do your internship and learn very well, Luckily i also finished from UNICAL, we have one of the best Medical School graduates, From Nysc start your registration with HCPC, get it and start applying for jobs, get skype interviews, and by the time you are through with service you must have gotten a job and take it from there. I hope this helps.

Good day sir. I'm also a graduate of radiography from the University of Calabar. Please is it easy for a 2.2 graduate to work as a Radiographer in UK and other European Countries? Also does having a masters degree acquired in Nigeria give one an edge?

Good day sirs and madams. Please I have a problem that has been bothering me. How easy is it for a 2.2 graduate of Radiography to get employed in UK and other European countries? Also, does having a masters degree acquired in Nigeria give one an edge?

Opdannex:
Great minds,
Pls recommend a good car that is easy to maintain and a bit fancy for a new family that has just arrived in Uk with little experience of driving in Uk.

I use a nissan qashqai 1.6 litre diesel engine, 30 quid road tax, it’s such a beauty.

Syphax:


Good day sir. I'm also a graduate of radiography from the University of Calabar. Please is it easy for a 2.2 graduate to work as a Radiographer in UK and other European Countries? Also does having a masters degree acquired in Nigeria give one an edge?

No body is bothered with what you graduated with here, maybe if you are applying for postgraduate studies, your skills and experience counts, It depends on the masters in clinical settings.

TRAY2:
No body is bothered with what you graduated with here, maybe if you are applying for postgraduate studies, your skills and experience counts, It depends on the masters in clinical settings.

Thanks sir sir, so does it now mean that masters gives me an advantage in terms of working in a hospital?

Thank you all for the insight.
Can you please share your knowledge about the following;
1. Choose between Manual or Automatic?
For me I have been driving automatic for longtime, but I won't mind to switch to manual if majority favors it.
2. Finance a good fancy car and pay small amount monthly or buy an average used car in cash(5k) ?
3. Mid Suv or Sedan because 3 babies car seat needed?
4. What will you for for between Rav 4 or Nissan xtrail or Ford Puma or Honda CR-V?
Thanks in anticipation for your kind reply.

umarwy:
Ogas and Madams I hail oh

I wanted some information and tips regarding buying a home in the UK,

What are the mistakes I should avoid?

Is rent to buy and shared ownership as good as it looks??

Housing association, chain properties etc. Please any information is appreciated

Location: What happens if a job comes and one has to move

My main reason for considering a mortgage is I am tired of paying rent.


Thank you in advance.

@justwise
@lagosismyhome
@stenon
@lexusgs430
@dustydee
@et al

Good resource for anyone interested in purchasing a property

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-buy-a-home/how-to-buy

Opdannex:
Thank you all for the insight.
Can you please share your knowledge about the following;
1. Choose between Manual or Automatic?
For me I have been driving automatic for longtime, but I won't mind to switch to manual if majority favors it.
2. Finance a good fancy car and pay small amount monthly or buy an average used car in cash(5k) ?
3. Mid Suv or Sedan because 3 babies car seat needed?
4. What will you for for between Rav 4 or Nissan xtrail or Ford Puma or Honda CR-V?
Thanks in anticipation for your kind reply.

1: Whichever you fancy but if you haven't done your Driving license test, then I'd suggest doing Manual DT as you can drive both but if you done Automatic DT, you'd be limited to just Auto.

2: Boils down to what you need. Financed loses value over time, so does used but the margin differs. There's always good deals on used cars.

3: No idea. When viewing the car, you'll see which serves better.

4: Rav 4 and Honda CR-V easily.

My opinion though.

Opdannex:
Thank you all for the insight.
Can you please share your knowledge about the following;
1. Choose between Manual or Automatic?
For me I have been driving automatic for longtime, but I won't mind to switch to manual if majority favors it.
2. Finance a good fancy car and pay small amount monthly or buy an average used car in cash(5k) ?
3. Mid Suv or Sedan because 3 babies car seat needed?
4. What will you for for between Rav 4 or Nissan xtrail or Ford Puma or Honda CR-V?
Thanks in anticipation for your kind reply.

1. I have an automatic license because I never driven a manual however manual is good at time, as some rental or van hire are manual . If a spouse has manual then automatic is ok then. If you need to hire anything manual the spouse can do it. So that how I do it

2. I usually hate anything finance or debt but car is a depreciating asset so if you dont have enough capital, you might as well do finance, pay small small and have the full money to hold body / family

LagosismyHome:


1. I have an automatic license because I never driven a manual however manual is good at time, as some rental or van hire are manual . If a spouse has manual then automatic is ok then. If you need to hire anything manual the spouse can do it. So that how I do it

2. I usually hate anything finance or debt but car is a depreciating asset so if you dont have enough capital, you might as well do finance, pay small small and have the full money to hold body / family

A Jaguar E Type, is an appreciating asset. And it keeps increasing in value, every year.........